LUVERNE, Ala. (WSFA) – Tamika Gregory began her counseling career several years ago with a focus on mental health. She has seen firsthand how cell phones, bullying, and social media continue to impact the next generation.
“I have been a mental health counselor for 24 years,” she said. “So the transition from mental health to high school is different but interlocking.”
Her husband’s family is all from the Luverne area, many of whom graduated from Luverne High. With an extensive background in counseling, she knew she had to apply when she heard her former high school guidance counselor was retiring.
“My husband graduated from here, my mother-in-law graduated from here, so this is almost like a legacy for my kids,” Gregory said. “I applied after hearing that my friend Heather Sanders was retiring. My youngest daughter had just entered middle school, so the timing was perfect.”
Currently she works in high schools with students in grades 7-12 and uses her educational and life experiences to support them. Recently she has faced her own challenges and is using her grief and resilience to encourage others.
She continued, “My mother passed away from brain cancer and lung cancer on March 16th. And at the end of May, two months after I buried my mother, my husband was also diagnosed with prostate cancer.” “It’s just been a roller coaster, but we’ve still tried to stay consistent to be here for these kids and be here for our staff.”
This means helping with college applications, scheduling, and more. Sometimes just a simple conversation can make a big difference.
“I see everything from self-harm to behavioral issues, court and youth issues, to academic issues,” she said. “But the most important thing I can say is that many babies came to say good morning, and it lets me know that I have done something that will have an impact on a child’s life.”
“If I could speak about Luverne, I would say we are small in number but very big in heart,” she said.
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